Consider how much care and effort you put into your recordings. You’ve stayed up all night making sure everything is perfect. The vocals are warm and out in front; the acoustic guitar soars with brilliant overtones; the bass lays down a rock-solid foundation; and the drums . . . well, the drums kick butt. Now that your work is complete, it’s time to mixdown.

But wait! The mixdown is what everyone will ultimately hear — not the master multitrack. Meaning it’s critical to have a mastering recorder that is capable of capturing all the detail contained in your original. This is not the time to trust second best. You can’t afford to settle for anything less than the very finest DAT recorder. So you might want to take a close look at the TASCAM DA-40, a true production quality master recorder that represents the best possible value in a DAT machine that was specifically designed for critical recording applications — like yours!

The DA-40 ($1399 list) builds on the experience TASCAM gained from their best-selling DA-30 Series recorders and actually adds several important new features. These include a trim control on the XLR analog outputs, a Character Pack function, two memory locate points and a variable ID time setting with a range from 0.5 to 3 seconds in 0.5 second increments. In addition, the DA-40 implements a Variable Record Mute time ranging from 2 to 7 seconds in one second increments and a Programmable Repeat function supporting 10X or free repeat capability. Add all this together with the standard TASCAM features ( you know, like absolutely superb sound and rock-solid dependability) and the DA-40 could indeed be the DAT master recorder you’ve been searching for all along! Need some convincing? Just keep reading . . .

As with any professional quality master recorder, the DA-40 provides balanced XLR analog inputs and outputs, but takes this one step further. Even though more and more recording and mixing takes place in the digital domain, the ability to feed analog signals at optimum levels to other equipment is still an important issue for any master recorder. That’s exactly why TASCAM included a variable trim control on the analog outs. This feature ensures that the DA-40 will be able to provide just the right amount of signal to other gear, no matter what you’re connecting it to — even a PA system!

As you might expect, the DA-40 also provides RCA unbalanced analog inputs and outputs. And to provide maximum control over all analog input signals, the DA-40 offers users the ability to specify Calibrated or Uncalibrated analog input modes. In the Calibrated mode, the unit automatically senses -10dBV (unbalanced) or +4dBm (balanced) signals. If you require control over input signals with different nominal levels, the Uncalibrated position enables you to adjust the input levels with the independent Left and Right analog level controls. So no matter how demanding the project may be, the DA-40 has the right connections to fit in anywhere.

Of course, the DA-40 also supports 48kHz, 44.1kHz and 32kHz sampling frequencies, enabling you to play back any tape that may find its way into your hands, as well as record at any rate that might be specified by your client. The DA-40 can also operate in Long Play mode when recording lectures or business presentations, so you can stretch a standard 120 DAT to record up to four hours of audio.

Working in a full digital environment? No problem, since the DA-40 provides AES/EBU Digital I/O terminated in XLR connectors, as well as S/PDIF digital I/O terminated in coaxial (RCA) connectors. With both these options available, you’ll never encounter difficulties communicating with other digital equipment. When it comes to making digital copies of your project, the DA-40 excels again! As expected, the unit records SCMS-free (SCMS stands for Serial Copy Management Protection), yet it also provides selectable COPY ID functionality. With Copy ID, you can specify the parameters for digital tape duplication: You decide if a DAT can be freely copied, copied only once, or not at all. That keeps you in control of your critical data!

Want to name your tracks for easy identification? While that may seem like a “no-brainer,” it’s actually surprising how many DAT recorders lack this function. With the DA-40’s Character Pack function, naming each individual selection couldn’t be more intuitive. The large Shuttle / Data wheel makes it easy to call up the desired character, number or symbol and enables you to enter titles quickly and efficiently. And you’ll really appreciate just how much easier identifying programs is when there’s a name to read instead of a cryptic number.

The DA-40’s physical layout is also an engineering achievement worthy of note. From the large, easy-to-read display to the oversized Shuttle / Data wheel (for searching or entering data) to the solid, secure feel of every single knob and switch, this is a machine that oozes dependability.

While all DAT recorders employ subcode messages (like Start and End IDs or Program Numbers), the DA-40 goes significantly further by providing greater control over the sub-code messages. With the unit’s Variable ID Time Setting feature, the Start ID for any track can be placed with far greater precision than is possible on other DAT recorders. For music tracks with widely varying levels, this can significantly reduce the occurrence of the dreaded false Start ID. You can even set the Auto ID Level Detect function to a range of -48 to -72dB.

Want to know more? Want to get your special Sweetwater pricing on a DA-40? Want to go ahead and order one (smart move!)? Just pick up that phone and give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call. He or she will be happy to ship a DA-40 right to your door!